Within 2 weeks of acceptance to the BULA program: Complete and submit your Internship Questionnaire (part of the LA specific pre-departure paperwork). This document will provide us with a snapshot of your unique interests and skill set.

Late-October (for Spring semester) or early April (for summer/fall semesters): Accepted students will conduct a face-to-face interview with Assistant Director Michael Ouellette and/or Program Specialist Thomas Potts (pottstd@bu.edu) in Boston at the Charles River Campus. You will be sent a scheduling email 1-2 weeks prior to the interview. If for some reason you cannot attend an individual interview, then we will arrange a meeting via Skype or phone. The purpose of the interview is to review past and present options for employers that might be of interest to you, discuss the pros and cons of each, and ferret out new ones that may also be a good fit.

4-6 weeks before your arrival, you will receive an email with a list of leads to companies we feel would be the best choices for you. Then it is up to you to further investigate those options and submit your cover letter and resume (and sometimes a writing sample) to them directly.

Please review the leads carefully and provide us feedback on which companies interested you enough to apply. Stay in communication with us, and we will continue researching other companies on your behalf.

When you arrive in Los Angeles: You should’ve already made contact with the potential internship providers and can request a face-to-face meeting with them during the first week you’re in town. In addition to pursuing these leads, we strongly suggest you comb the Internet for internships in the fields you’re keen on. You’re welcome to apply to anything you think would make sense, but for your sake you must submit the company name, website, job posting, and supervisor contact details for placement approval prior to accepting any position.

CAN I SEARCH FOR AN INTERNSHIP NOT PROVIDED BY BULA?Absolutely. Pursuing an internship through web search or familial relationships is just fine. In fact, we encourage you to do so. When and if you are offered a chance to interview with an outside lead, the company will have to be vetted by our Assistant Director. We want to make sure the company is legitimate, accommodating of your class schedule, and won’t take advantage of you or ask you to do something that could get anyone into trouble. Please coordinate your search with the Assistant Director and help us help you.Back to top

WILL I BE PAID? IF SO, HOW MUCH?
We cannot make any guarantees; most companies offer no pay. But lately, due largely to recent government regulation and oversight, some companies have begun to offer compensation at $8-15/hour, or via a small stipend, gas money and/or free lunches.Back to top

AM I GUARANTEED A PLACEMENT? CAN I PICK THE COMPANY I WORK FOR?
You will have at least one internship; all BULA students secure a minimum internship placement of 20 hours per week. Most students opt to work full-time between one or two companies. While our staff will initially provide “warms leads” in advance of your arrival in Los Angeles, it is up to you to apply for and interview with each company. Due to the ever-changing needs of our internship providers, we cannot guarantee placement at a particular company. However, if you have a “wish list”, we are glad to advocate for your hiring at any appropriate current or new internship provider.Back to top

CAN I HAVE MULTIPLE INTERNSHIPS?
Many students secure two internships and divide their time between the two locations, while others stick with one. During the interview and hiring process, they coordinate with their employers to set up an appropriate schedule. Whether you wish to do one or two internships is solely your decision.Back to top

HOW MUCH TIME WILL BE SPENT AT MY INTERNSHIP(S)?
Students are required to spend a minimum of 20 hours per week interning. The majority of students wind up working closer to 40 hours per week.Back to top

DO I HAVE TO WORK 5 DAYS A WEEK?
Provided you are meeting your minimum hours required, you do not have to work 5 days a week.Back to top

IF I COMMIT TO AN INTERNSHIP AND HATE IT, CAN I LEAVE?
BULA makes every effort to pair its students with terrific job opportunities and it is your responsibility to choose your position wisely. Therefore, a decision to quit your assignment prematurely, except in the case of abuse or sexual harassment, will negatively impact your grade. If, for example, you are unhappy with the type of work you’re granted, the Assistant Director will help you navigate how to discuss your concerns with your supervisor and learn from the experience.Back to top

HOW OFTEN DO BULA STUDENTS SECURE EMPLOYMENT AS A RESULT OF THEIR INVOLVEMENT WITH BULA?
The majority of students experience a direct correlation between their experience with BULA and their future employment, whether they are hired by one of their internship providers or are able to capitalize on a connection they made while participating in the program.Back to top

WHAT DO I WEAR TO INTERVIEWS?
People in Los Angeles tend to dress more casually at work. For most interviews we recommend that you think along the lines of “Banana Republic.” Men- slacks and a button-down (suits and ties are rarely although occasionally recommended for some of the larger studios) Ladies- slacks or skirt and a blouse or nice dress (no sundresses!) No flip-flops. Many of you will find that the person interviewing you will be dressed more casually. Don’t worry. Once you have secured the position you can slowly determine what is appropriate in your work environment. It is better to make a positive and professional first impression.